(When you click on the red/purple lettering you will be taken to a page with more detailed information.)
If you click on the song titles at the begining of each section you will be taken to the lyrics for that song. At the end of each song are links to both Paul's recordings of that song, as well as who else has recorded it.
PARK AVENUE
(Lyrics & Music Paul Williams)
Look at the lovely ladies on Park Avenue
Fill their lives with the things they bought today
Money gets cold
When a woman turns old
And nobody's there to talk to
Dye their hair
So the men might stare
But you don't rinse troubles away
Look at the lovely ladies of Park Avenue
Call their doctor when they need a friend
Love to tell the stories of the men they had no time for
Wanting one to touch them
But afraid to let one stay
And thinking somewhere a young man is growing old
One who might have loved to share the things I did today
Somewhere a young man is growing old
Did he try to talk to me
And did I turn away?
Did I turn away?
Did I turn away?
Look at the lovely ladies of Park Avenue
Loneliness becomes a way of life
No one dares to tell them
That they might have been mistaken
Foolish girls who stayed at home
Foolish girls who stayed alone
And wasted all that time
Link To Paul's Recording Of This Song
PHANTOM'S THEME (Beauty and the Beast)
(FROM THE 20TH CENTURY FOX FILM "PHANTOM OF THE PARADISE")
(Lyrics & Music Paul Williams)
Half asleep I hear a voice
Is it only in my mind
Or is it someone calling me someone I failed and left behind
To work it out I let them in
All the good guys and the bad guys that I've been
All the devils that disturbed me and the angels that defeated them somehow
Come together in me now
Face to face I greet the cast
Set in silence we begin
Companions in an empty room I taste their victory and sin
To work it out I let them in
All the good guys and the bad guys that I've been
All the devils that disturbed me and the angels that defeated them somehow
Come together in me now
A tale of beauty and the beast
I defend my soul from those who would accuse me
I share the famine and the feast
I have been the world and felt it turning seen the jester yearning to amuse me
Like a circus on parade
Seldom close enough to see
I wander through an angry crowd and wonder what became of me
To work it out I let them in
All the good guys and the bad guys that I've been
All the devils that disturbed me and the angels that defeated them somehow
Come together in me now
Link To A Recording Of This Song On A Paul Williams Album
(FROM THE FILM "THE MUPPET MOVIE")
(Lyrics & Music Paul Williams/Kenneth Ascher)
Why are there so many songs about rainbows,
and what's on the other side?
Rainbows are visions, but only illusions,
and rainbows have nothing to hide
So we've been told and some choose to believe it,
I know they're wrong, wait and see
Someday we'll find it, the rainbow connection
the lovers, the dreamers and me
Who said that every wish would be heard and answered
when wished on the morning star?
Somebody thought of that and someone believed it.
Look what it's done so far
What's so amazing that keeps us star gazing,
and what do you think we might see?
Someday, we'll find it, the rainbow connection
the lovers, the dreamers and me
all of us under its' spell, we know that it's probably magic
Have you been half asleep,
and have you heard voices?
I've heard them calling my name.
Is this the sweet sound that calls the young sailors?
The voice might be one and the same
I've heard it too many times to ignore it,
it's something that I'm s'pored to be
Someday we'll find it the rainbow connection,
the lovers, the dreamers and me.
Link To Recordings Of This Song On A Paul Williams Album
Link To Who Else Has Sung This Song
(Lyrics Paul Williams:Music Roger Nichols)
Talkin' to myself and feelin' old
Sometimes I'd like to quit
Nothin' ever seems to fit
Hangin' around
Nothin' to do but frown
Rainy days and Mondays
Always get me down
What I've got they used to call the blues
Nothin' is really wrong
Feelin' like I don't belong
Walkin' around
Some kind of lonely clown
Rainy days and Mondays
Always get me down
Funny but it seems
I always wind up here with you
Nice to know somebody loves me
Funny but it seems it's the only thing to do
Run and find the one who loves me
What I feel has come and gone before
No need to talk it out
We know what it's all about
Hangin' around
Nothin' to do but frown
Rainy days and Mondays
Always get me down
Link To Paul's Recordings Of This Song
Link To Who Else Has Sung This Song
ROAN PONY
(Lyrics Paul Williams:Music Roger Nichols)
When my world becomes too much for me
And I've had my fill of its schemes
I reach back into its history
And I recall my childhood dreams
With my love for how things used to be
And a once imagined friend
I will find a time that's right for me
Try to find a better end by dreaming
I'll ride away on my roan pony
Shoshone Indian guide by my side
We'll chart the course of a new river
Give her a name then we're gone
We've got to move on
Down from the hills
Across the plains to a golden shore
Down, down from the hills
To stand where no man has stood before
Then my world comes screaming back to me
And it's more than I can take
I escape before it gets to me
I must bend before I break
So I run from what I've come to be
To a time before my own
'Til my friend is standing next to me
And I know I'm not alone, I'm dreaming
I'll ride away on my roan pony
Shoshone Indian guide by my side
We'll chart the course of a new river
Give her a name then we're gone
We've got to move on
Down from the hills
Across the plains to a golden shore
Down, down from the hills
To stand where no man has stood before
I'll ride away on my roan pony
Shoshone Indian guide by my side
We'll chart the course of a new river
Give her a name then we're gone
We've got to move on
Link To Paul's Recordings Of This Song
ROSE
(Lyrics Paul Williams:Music Mentor Williams)
Time has been blessing me
And patience saved the best for me
Well I walked all alone
In the garden
Until I found a rose
Love working out for me
There's someone watching out for me
And I found something more to believe in
When I found a rose
Loneliness you've had your day
Now your season is ending
Emptiness be on your way
Now I'm going home
Going home
Where my sweet lady comforts me
Laughing as she runs to me
And I'm sure once again in the evening
That I found a rose
Link To Paul's Recording Of This Song
Link To Who Else Has Sung This Song
SAD SONG
(Lyrics & Music Paul Williams & Ken Ascher)
That's a sad song
That used to be our song
The one you just played
I wonder if I'd stayed what we'd be doing now
Yeah, but part of bein' people is an ever changing mind
We don't mean to be unkind
We just grow
That's a sad song
That used to be our song
And oh, she sang it too
And every word rang true like a bell somehow
When I ran off chasing visions my emotions made me blind
Like a fool I left behind my angel's glow
So play it one more time
That symphony in rhyme
Let those old familiar feelin's start to show
Sing my favorite phrase
From those good old days
Let those tears and sweet memories flow
That's a sad song
That used to be our song
And oh you played it well
It isn't hard to tell you love it too
It amazes me to hear it--how it's beauty never ends
Now the music made us friends
I'm asking you
So play it one more time
That symphony in rhyme
Let those old familiar feelin's start to show
Sing my favorite phrase
From those good old days
Let those tears and sweet memories flow
It amazes me to hear it--how it's beauty never ends
Now the music made us friends
I'm asking you
So play it one more time
That symphony in rhyme
Let those old familiar feelin's start to show
Sing my favorite phrase
From those good old days
Let those tears and sweet memories flow
Link To Paul's Recordings Of This Song
SAVE ME A DREAM
(Lyrics & Music Paul Williams and Kenneth Lee Ascher)
If dreams are a shadow
Of love, fame and fortune
That adorn the night
Some fade away quickly
And lose all their meaning
In the morning light
Yes some dreams are lifeless
They're light entertainment
Meaning nothing more
But there are dreams holding promise
And pure inspiration worth waiting for
Save me a dream
As perfect as the night is long
Save me a dream
As secure as your arms
A shelter where we both belong
And our love can bring the stars
Even closer than they seem
Save me a place in your heart
And save me a dream
Some call you crazy
Convinced that you're lazy
If you dream by day
When we re dreaming, we're listening
If somebody's whispering
Who knows what they'll say
Some find a purpose
A sense of direction
In a wandering mind
If ideas are prizes like children of angels
Who knows what we'll find
Save me a dream
As perfect as the night is long
Save me a dream
As secure as your arms
A shelter where we both belong
And our love can bring the stars
Even closer than they seem
Save me a place in your heart
And save me a dream
Save me a place in your heart
And save me a dream
Save me a place in your heart
And save me a dream
Link To Paul's Recordings Of This Song
SAY HELLO
(Lyrics & Music Paul Williams)
Let's take some time
And get to know one another
We'll solve our problems is we do
We may be diff'rent
But we won't know 'till we try
You can learn from me
And I'll learn from you
Love and understanding
Open up your eyes
It clears the skies, let it show
No we don't need to stay
These worlds apart
For a simple start, say hello
And you may have found the answer
With a lovin' smile
And an open hand
Well I for one believe
There's so much to be done
For the love of life
And the good of man
Put an end to all that fear
And painful doubt
We can work it out
Didn't you know
With a little common sense
And sympathy
Just reach out and see, say hello
And you may have found the answer
Say hello
Love and understanding
Open up your eyes
It clears the skies, let it show
No we don't need to stay
These worlds apart
For a simple start, say hello
And you may have found the answer
Say hello
SHE SINGS FOR FREE
(Lyrics & Music Paul Williams & Ken Ascher )
She's the girl singer
Who sings in the background
On half the hit records
You're hearin' today
Part of the chorus
A tree in the forest
A little girl singer who's pavin' the way
For a pretty young face
Who was blessed with a grace
And a smile that is charming and easy to sell
While she hides the mistakes
Someone else gets the breaks
But because she's professional
She'll never tell
'Cause she's the girl singer
Who sings in the background
On half the hit records
They're playin' today
Born sympathetic
And so energetic
A little girl singer who waits for her day
It's a patience that she can afford
'Cause on Sundays she sings for the Lord
She sings for free
Freedom to worship and wait
In the light of the one she adores
She sings for free
Freedom to live in a spirit of giving
She gives more and more
She's the girl singer
Who sings in the background
On half the hit records
They're playing today
None recognize her
They'll always disguise her
She sings for her supper
And wanders away
She's a star who receives her reward
When on Sunday she sings for the Lord
She sings for free
Freedom to worship and wait
In the light of the one she adores
She sings for free
Freedom to live in a spirit of giving
She gives more and more
Link To Paul's Recording Of This Song
SHE'S TOO GOOD TO ME
(Lyrics Paul Williams:Music Roger Nichols)
Time after time I apologize, still she forgives me
I lie and she catches me or she believes
I disappoint her and she says it's alright
She takes the worst to come and waits home ev'ry night
I can't count the chances she's given me
Or the times she's taken me back
Every time she's always forgiven me
She's too good to me, just too good to me
Time after time I've neglected her or I've forgotten
Sometimes she's unhappy but never a word
She hides her sorrows as she's learned to hide her tears
Her understanding of me's growing with the years
I can't count the chances she's given me
Or the times she's taken me back
Every time she's always forgiven me
She's too good to me, just too good to me
Link To Paul's Recordings Of This Song
Link To Who Else Has Sung This Song
(FROM THE NATIONAL YOUTH MUSIC THRATRE STAGE SHOW "BUGSY MALONE")
(Lyrics & Music N/K)
Show buis'ness
I've travelled far
That's right you got it, a neon star
I started at the bottom
But I reached the top
And once your name in lights
You know you'll never stop
Show bus'ness is all I need
Gimme the chance and I'll take the lead
When the music's playing
I can't help but sing
And with the dancers swaying
I'm right in the swing of it
Show bus'ness
It's lucky breaks
A chance to show if
You got what it takes
Give it your best and
You're on your way
Let the big band play!
Show bus'ness
It's lucky breaks
A chance to show if
You got what it takes
Give it your best and
You're on your way
Start the show
I'm here to stay!
Yes I'm here to
Stay!
Link To Recordings Of This Song
SIMPLE MAN
(Lyrics & Music Graham Nash)
I am a simple man
And I sing a simple song
I've never been so much in love
And never hurt so bad at the same time
I am a simple man
And I play a simple tune
I wish that I could see you once again
Across the room
Like the first time
I just want to hold you
I don't want to hold you down
I hear what you're saying
And you're spinning my head around
I can't make it alone
The ending of the tale
Is the singing of the song
Make me proud to be your man
Only you can make me strong
Like the last time
I just want to hold you
I don't want to hold you down
I hear what you're saying
And you're spinning my head around
I can't make it alone
Link To Paul's Recordings Of This Song
SLEEP WARM
(Lyrics Paul Williams:Music Gary Ulmer)
Moonlight
Sure makes it hard to say good night to you
Easier if I knew we'd say good morning too
Sleep
And I will keep you safe from harm
Sleep warm
Trade your troubles for sweet dreams
I'll watch you
I'll watch out for you
I'll look after you
Fireflies
Fun for one but twice as nice for two
Lullabyes sung alone can sound just like the blues
Go to sleep
I'll give you shelter in my arms
Sleep warm
Trade your troubles for sweet dreams
I'll watch you
I'll watch out for you
Hold tight if the mornin's cold
Love is more than we've been told
So warm, so warm
So right
So right
This might be somethin' soft enough to last
Even now I can almost feel the worst has past
Sleep
And I will keep you safe from harm
Sleep warm
Trade your troubles for sweet dreams
I'll watch you
I'll watch out for you
I'll look after you
Sleep
Link To Paul's Recording Of This Song
SO MANY PEOPLE
(Lyrics Paul Williams:Music Roger Nichols)
Today the street were filled with strangers
Calling names and choosing sides
Never thinking of tomorrow
More and more we're running blind
Makes you wonder where we're heading
So many people and all in a hurry
Living in circles of worship and worry
Dressing so long that they're usually late for the show
So busy judging the heads that they're turning
So busy fighting there's no time for learning
Turning their backs on the people they might like to know
We may be running out of heros
It seems they tumble every day
We killed a man for careless dreaming
More and more we're running blind
Makes you wonder where we're heading
So many people and all in a hurry
Living in circles of worship and worry
Dressing so long that they're usually late for the show
So busy judging the heads that they're turning
So busy fighting there's no time for learning
Turning their backs on the people they might like to know
Link To Who Else Has Sung This Song
(FROM THE PARAMOUNT MOTION PICTURE "BUGSY MALONE")
(FROM THE NATIONAL YOUTH MUSIC THEATRE STAGE SHOW "BUGSY MALONE")
(Lyrics & Music Paul Williams)
So you wanna be a boxer
In the golden ring
Can you punch like a south-bound freight train
Tell me just one thing
Can you move in a word like a humming bird's wing
If you need to
Can you bob, can you weave
Can you fake, and deceive when you need to?
Well, you might as well quit
If you haven't got it
So you wanna be a boxer
Can you pass the test?
I can tell you've got it in you
I've trained the best
When you work and you sweat
And you bet that you train to a buzz-saw
Then you near lose your mind
When you find that your little boy has a glass jaw
So you might as well quit
If you haven't got it.
Putting him in the ring, Joe
Look at what you found
We can use the fun, Joe
Pushing him around
Well show him the ropes
And destroy his hopes
Put him in the ring, Joe
Give the guy a chance
Let him feel the sting, Joe
We can make him dance
We'll pulp him to bits
Then he'll call it quits for sure, Joe
So you wanna be a boxer
Wanna be the champ
There's a golden boy inside you
Not a punched-out champ
If you listen and you learn
There's an honour you can earn and defend here
When you do see the crown
You're a king not a clown
A contender
But you might as well quit
If you haven't got it
Put him in the ring, Joe
Something new to punch
Let me have a swing, Joe
Then we'll go to lunch
We'll make it quite swift
Then he'll get the drift
Put him in the ring, Joe
Chicken a la carte
Let me have a wing, Joe
Tearing him apart
That chicken will crow
Let me have him Joe
Link To Recordings Of This Song
SOMEBODY SUPER LIKE YOU (Beef Construction Song)
(FROM THE 20TH CENTURY FOX FILM "PHANTOM OF THE PARADISE")
(Lyrics & Music Paul Williams)
We need a man that is simple perfection
There's nothing that's harder to find
Someone to lead us protect us and feed us
And help us to make up our minds
We need a man that's sophisticated
Quiet and strong and well educated
Where to go what to do
Could it be somebody super like you
We need a man that can stand as a symbol
And symbols have got to be tall
Someone with taste and the tiniest waist
With his help would not life be a ball
If we had fun he would not restrain us
If we got caught he would just explain us
Where to go what to do
Could it be somebody super like you
We pledge allegiance to his gracefulness and charming manners
With a voice that's both sides choice he'll bring us to our knees in admiration
He is king of all who see and hear his perfect pitch
And more surprises when his time is come a stallion rises
We need a man with a head on his shoulders a nose that is simply divine
Hollywood smile and a perfect profile and with eyes that would sparkle and shine
Long flowing hair for a crowning glory
There'd be a man who could tell our story
Where to go what to do
Could it be somebody super like you
We pledge allegiance to his gracefulness and charming manners
With a voice that's both sides choice he'll bring us to our knees in admiration
He is king of all who see and hear his perfect pitch
And more surprises when his time is come a stallion rises
Rises... rises... rises
Link To A Recording Of This Song On A Paul Williams Album
SOMEBODY WAITING
(Lyrics Paul Williams: Music Roger Nichols)
I've kept you in my heart
And ev'ry hour that we're apart
The tears have shown rolled into years alone
Alone I've come to be somebody waiting
Promise me as you travel each mile
You'll think of me ev'ry once in a while
I feel the sunshine in the warmth of your smile
'Til then remember me, somebody waiting
Without you nights are long
No one to sing my bedtime song
The times I've known counting the stars alone
Alone I've come to be somebody waiting
Promise me as you travel each mile
You'll think of me ev'ry once in a while
I feel the sunshine in the warmth of your smile
'Til then remember me, somebody waiting
Link To Paul's Recordings Of This Song
SOMEBODY'S HERO TONIGHT
(Lyrics & Music Paul Williams/John David Souther)
Half of the time you just lie to me
half of the time you won't say
l don't know why we go on like we do
throwing our chances away
only a child with a broken heart
clearly in love but afraid of falling
who's gonna love you well I just might
be somebody's hero tonight
You start to cry then you turn away
so much for pretty goodbyes
you say it's time for my heart to move on
but l see something else in your eyes
making it easy won't make it right
and where will you go when the tears start falling
who's gonna love you well I just might
be somebody's hero tonight
Oh I wanna be somebody's hero
and I wanna make everything right
nobody else ever made me feel like I might
l just might
Turn around baby and look at me
I don't know what else I can say
lay down beside me and hold me tight
we'll love all our troubles away
even in dreams when it's dark and quiet
listen, and you can hear me calling
who's gonna love you well I just might
be somebody's hero tonight
Oh I wanna be somebody's hero
and I wanna make everything right
Nobody else ever made me feel like I might, I just might
Be somebody's hero, and I might everything right
cause nobody else ever made me feel like I might, I just might
Be somebody's hero tonight, somebody's hero tonight
Link To A Recording Of This Song On A Paul Williams Album
SOMEDAY MAN
(Lyrics Paul Williams:Music Roger Nichols)
Some people always complain that their life is too short
So they hurry it along
Their worries drive them insane
But they still go along for the ride
As for me, I have all the time in the world
I was born a someday man I'm a maybe child
I was born a someday man I was always wild
Tomorrow's a new day, baby anything can happen
Anything can happen at all
Some folks are working for reasons
And waiting for answers they're never gonna find
They keep on searching for pleasures
And looking so hard they can't see
But for me life can be a sweet holiday
I was born a someday man I'm a maybe child
I was born a someday man I was always wild
Tomorrow's a new day, baby anything can happen
Anything can happen at all
I was born a someday man I'm a maybe child
I was born a someday man I was always wild
I was born a someday man I'm a maybe child
I was born a someday man I was always wild
I was born a someday man I'm a maybe child
I was born a someday man I was always wild
I was born a someday man I'm a maybe child
I was born a someday man I was always wild
Link To Paul's Recordings Of This Song
Link To Who Else Has Sung This Song
SOMEONE TO BELIEVE
(Lyrics & Music Paul Williams/Kenny Hirsch)
my best, was never good enough
hard as I tried
I couldn't find what it takes inside
to build a dream
to see it through
I needed someone to believe
that I could lead them to the moon
that I, could bring their troubles to an end
and soon, I needed love
I needed you
it's sad, to see the world walk by
always in pairs
when there's no one of your own who care
life doesn't work
when you're alone
I needed someone to believe
that I'd defend them to the end
that l, would be the lover of all time
the friend, to be my best
I needed you
yes, in your love I found my power
your arms my finest hour
has come at last
there's nothing I wouldn't try
try for you
believe
that I, could lead them to the moon
that I, couId bring their troubles to an end
and soon, I needed love
l needed you
I needed someone to believe
Link To A Recording Of This Song On A Paul Williams Album
SOUL REST
(Lyrics & Music Paul Williams)
You and I wake up slowly
The world outside moves fast
And the crowds eat away
At a run-a-round day
And they treat it like it was their last
You and I we wish them well
Let the restless roam
You and l'll stay home
And get us some soul rest
Love the quiet times
Talk with our bodies
That's the way
We know best
Soul rest
Minds and bodies rhyme
Your touch is priceless
I am blessed
We are lovers
I am blessed
You and I wake up slowly
And we listen to the human race
And we all want a break
Or a piece of the cake
But we're runnin'
Out of time and space
Well you and I
We wish them well
Let the race begin
You and I'll stay in
And we'll get us
Love the quiet times
Talk with our bodies
That's the way
We know best
Soul rest
Minds and bodies rhyme
Your touch is priceless
I am blessed
We are lovers
I am blessed
Soul rest makin' love's like meditation
I can read your mind
Ev'ry day's a celebration
Seek and ye shall find
Walk away from worthless worry
Leave all that behind
And let your soul rest
Link To Paul's Recordings Of This Song
SPECIAL TO ME (Phoenix Audition Song)
(FROM THE 20TH CENTURY FOX FILM "PHANTOM OF THE PARADISE")
(Lyrics & Music Paul Williams)
Caught up in your wheelin' dealin' you've got no time left for simple feelin'
I thought I knew you but I didn't know you at all
Trapped inside your world of worry you miss so much when you always hurry
Well slow down baby you'll only get hurt if you fall
Well you told me one time that you'd be somebody
That you weren't workin' just to survive
But you're workin' so hard that you don't even know you're alive
Workin' so hard to be somebody special not working just to survive
Well you're special to me babe but what I don't see babe is
Where you go once you arrive
Where we go once we arrive
Damn all evil that takes possession until your pipe dreams become obsessions
They scare me baby and we should have nothing to fear
I'm no child but I can't help wonder it seems like some kind of spell you're under
You're listnin' baby but somehow you don't really hear
Well you told me one time that you'd be somebody
That you weren't workin' just to survive
But you're workin' so hard that you don't even know you're alive
Workin' so hard to be somebody special not working just to survive
Well you're special to me babe but what I don't see babe is
Where you go once you arrive
Where we go once we arrive
Link To A Recording Of This Song On A Paul Williams Album
SUNDAY
(Lyrics & Music Paul Williams & Ken Ascher )
When you wake up in the mornin'
In the suit that you were born in
Feelin' like love
And you tell me the kind of day you planned
While you trace little circles inside my hand
Oh, love
Snuggled up like spoons inside a drawer
Closer now than you and I have ever been before
Sunday
Let's stay in bed it's Sunday
Though football games and gunplay
Are all that's on TV
Stay beside me Sunday
We'll hibernate 'till Monday
It's good in more than one way
It's cozy and it's free
Well, the traffic drives you crazy
And the people nowadays seem paranoid
And the only thing that's worse than getting up for work
Is being unemployed
Life at times is harder to explain
Weekdays we get sunshine
On the weekends we get rain
Sunday
Let's stay in bed it's Sunday
Though football games and gunplay
Are all that's on TV
Stay beside me Sunday
We'll hibernate 'till Monday
It's good in more than one way
It's cozy and it's free
Snuggled up like spoons inside a drawer
Closer now than you and I have ever been before
Sunday
Let's stay in bed it's Sunday
Though football games and gunplay
Are all that's on TV
Stay beside me Sunday
We'll hibernate 'till Monday
It's good in more than one way
It's cozy and it's free
Hey, Sunday
Stay beside me Sunday
Hey, Sunday
Let's stay in bed it's Sunday
Stay beside me Sunday
Link To Paul's Recording Of This Song
Link To Who Else Has Sung This Song
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